Let's solve the expression step by step:

Given expression: $x^{-4} + 8(4) + 16$

1. Evaluate $8(4)$: $8 \times 4 = 32$ So, the expression becomes: $x^{-4} + 32 + 16$

2. Add $32$ and $16$: $32 + 16 = 48$ Now, the expression is: $x^{-4} + 48$

So the simplified expression is: $x^{-4} + 48$

Do you want more details on any of these steps or have any questions?

---

Here are five related questions you might find interesting:

1. How do you simplify expressions with negative exponents like $x^{-4}$?
2. What are the rules for multiplying and adding numbers in algebraic expressions?
3. How does the expression change if $x = 2$?
4. What would the expression look like if the exponent was positive instead of negative?
5. How can you solve $x^{-4} + 48 = 0$ for $x$?

Tip: When simplifying algebraic expressions, always perform operations inside parentheses first, followed by exponents, and then the remaining arithmetic operations.